Hema's Slijterij: Paramaribo's Neighborhood Bottle Shop
A family-run slijterij stocking Suriname's essentials since 1984
Why Go
Tucked into Zonnebloemstraat just off the buzz of central Paramaribo, Hema's Slijterij is the kind of unassuming liquor store locals swing by on a Friday afternoon to grab a crate of Parbo, a bottle of Borgoe rum, or a good Dutch jenever for the weekend. It has quietly kept Surinamese homes and rum shops supplied for over four decades.
The Experience
Walking in feels less like a tourist stop and more like stepping into a neighborhood institution. The shelves are crammed floor-to-ceiling with everything from local rums and Suriname's beloved Parbo Bier to imported whiskies, wines, Dutch liqueurs, and a solid non-alcoholic selection of juices and sodas. Service is direct, no-nonsense, and switches easily between Dutch, Sranan Tongo, and English if you look like you need a hand. Grab what you need, chat about which rum ages best, pay in SRD or the occasional USD, and you're back out the door in minutes.
What to Try
Reach for a bottle of Borgoe 8 or the darker Black Cat rum for the true Surinamese souvenir, or ask what local craft spirits they're currently stocking. A crate of ice-cold Parbo is the classic beach-and-boat companion, while jenever and advocaat lovers will find the Dutch shelf better stocked than almost anywhere in the Caribbean. Mixers, coconut water, and Fernandes soft drinks round out a perfect self-catering haul.
Insider Tip
Come earlier in the week and before 4pm on Fridays — by late afternoon on weekends the queue of locals stocking up for barbecues and river trips can wrap toward the door. Cash in SRD gets you the smoothest checkout, and if you're heading upriver to a resort or renting an Airbnb, ask the staff which rums travel best; they'll steer you away from the tourist labels toward what Surinamers actually pour at home.
The Practical Stuff
Location: Zonnebloemstraat (Plus Code RRG8+R52), a short drive or taxi from the city center. Hours are typically Monday–Friday 8:30am–5:00pm and Saturday 8:30am–2:00pm, closed Sunday — confirm by phone (+597 463-536) around holidays. Prices are everyday-local, not tourist-marked-up: beer crates and local rum are notably cheap, imports climb quickly. Cash (SRD) preferred; bring your own bag.
Pair It With
- A river trip on the Suriname or Commewijne — Pick up a crate of Parbo and a bottle of Borgoe here before heading to the boat — onboard drinks cost several times more.
- A stay at 101 Suites or a nearby self-catering rental — Hema's is a two-minute detour to stock the mini-bar with local rum, mixers, and cold beer at supermarket prices.
- A rental car pickup from 88 Car Rental or 4x4xJankie — Ideal first stop after collecting the car — load up before driving out to Brownsberg, Bigi Pan, or the coast where slijterijen thin out.
- An evening at a Paramaribo warung or BBQ — Bring your own bottle of jenever or aged rum to complement the roti, pom, or grilled fish — many casual spots are BYOB-friendly.